Today I’m reviewing a fantastic book that I just have to share with you. It’s called “Run For Your Life: A Jogger’s Handbook.” I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw that this book was available for free simply by typing my name and email address into a form on Facebook. I’m sure my email will never be used for marketing purposes; certainly no nefarious spammer will ever get a hold of it!

This book is chock full of some of the best cliches and platitudes about running that any jogger worth his salt has certainly heard by the water cooler any number of times. Take this valuable chestnut, for example:

“While eating chocolate cookies are not strictly prohibited in the runner’s meal, it is important to note that these should be avoided before running especially when competing. The recommended pre-race meal is always pasta and bread.”

There is also some advice for female runners worthy of Hamlet’s Polonius! Women, did you realize that your special needs require that you don’t wear headphones during a run? Here it is, in black and white:

“It is not recommended to use headphones while running. You will not hear cars, bikers, and people that may have bad intentions on you. Many attackers will always choose a victim who they think is vulnerable and not ready for any approaches. Always remember that it is unsafe to run with headphones.”

It’s hard to exaggerate the sheer quantity of bromides and truisms chronicled in “Run For Your Life.” Just reading this passage about proper hydration made my head spin!

“Don’t forget about hydrating your body properly. One of the most essential concerns that a runner should consider is a well-hydrated body. Drink more than a non-strenuous activity doer is drinking. Your body will require more than 8-12 glasses of water a day, which is the usual requirement an average person. However, don’t drink too much before running as this might make you uncomfortable.”

Who would believe that someone would take the time to write such a complete book of shibboleths about running, and then not even charge a single penny for it? I’d say this book is worth thousands of times more than that! If for nothing other than sheer entertainment value, you owe it to yourself to read “Run For Your Life: A Jogger’s Handbook”!